We Asked, You Facebooked"What's the best part of owning your business?"When business becomes tough, we o�en�mes need reminding of why the entrepreneurial life is so great. We asked local businessowners what they like about being their own boss. Here are a few of the responses we received. To read more, visit our Facebookpage at www.facebook.com/mytownmagazine.

Terrell Sandefur: If you have a passion forwhat you do, it never feels like work. Icreated the "SoChi" brand and own TheSoChi Companies(www.thesochicompanies.com). The bestpart is that I'm my own boss. The worst part

is that my boss works me day and night!

Saralyn Collins Harvey: I love the feelingI get when I see a new customer become a"regular," or when a bride tells me herrecep�on is perfect. It's not all aboutmoney for me. I'm more mo�vated by thefreedom I have in my life because I own my business.

Amanda Lindley: The best part of owning Lindley'sPhotography is that we get to be a part of someone'sspecial day EVERY weekend! And we get to do what welove to do for a living!

Mary Jane Kinnas: I love having my ownbusiness because it allows me to set myown schedule... to take my children toschool, be involved in their school, be withthem at home a�er school, during summervaca�on, etc. I also enjoy working with my

clients (who are small businesses) to helpthem find crea�ve ways to promote and market what they do.And I love taking pictures of precious children and families.It's truly been a blessing for me and our family.

Cyndie Smith: I like being at MellowMushroom Warner Robins every daygree�ng people and interac�ng with thecommunity. My employees call me “mamamushroom.” We have a “mushroomfamily” going on here.

Tammy Anderson: I enjoy my clients very much; they are likefamily to me. They have helped me to hone my cra� whichpleases them and makes me happy to exceed theirexpecta�ons.

Ashley Slocumb: The best part about owning my ownbusiness is being able to interact with all my customers andbuild personal rela�onships with them. It never gets boringin my store because people are always stopping by to visitor just catch up.

Sarah Oglesby Poulos: It is rewarding to see the wide eyes andbig grins on kids’ faces when they come to Monkey Joe's for aparty or to play. You know they are happy, and that's what it isall about!

Calista Waddy: I find that the best part of owning my ownbusiness is that I can do what I love to do. In my case, it'steaching harp and piano lessons, as well as performing theharp for weddings, recep�ons and special events. For me,there is no greater reward than saying that I honestly lovewhat I do every day. I love my students and I feel veryfortunate that they have chosen me to be a part of theireduca�on and lives. As for performing at special events, Iam always honored that I get to be a special part of one ofthe clients' most important days, be it a wedding, proposal,funeral, or party – they want their day to be special and Iam part of that.

Jennifer Bucholtz: Having crea�ve freedom and being able togrow professionally in ways never imagined. Also, it's nice tobe able to work in pajama pants and spread magazines andnotes of paper with ideas all over the floor without worryingif my boss is going to get mad.

Paige Henson: You think I'd cite thefreedom it affords you, but honestly I keeplonger hours than ever. I guess one of thebest perks would be being able to choosewho you work with!

Ellen Jelks Finkelstein: Ge�ng to know my customers! I haveloved mee�ng so many new people and becoming close to alot of them. I look forward to each day because of the peopleI see!Steve Bertram: There is never a dull

moment. If, by chance, there is a dullmoment, go on vaca�on.

10 MyTown October 2009 www.mytownmonthly.com | www.facebook.com/mytownmagazine

Check out MyTown’s weekly reviews by Adam Mauldin!

Website: www.mytownmonthly.com/blogsFacebook: www.facebook.com/mytownmagazineTwi�er: www.twi�er.com/mytownmagazine

Thai Pepper: Delicious Food Behind an Unassuming FaçadeA few nights ago, Idecided to take mygirlfriend out to dinner.Bored with our usualfare of burgers andshakes, we decided totry something new. I hadheard of the restaurant Thai Pepper before, but hadnever been, so I suggested that we give it a try. Theexterior was quiet and unassuming, with a sign thatseemed to hide behind the beige stucco façade.

As I opened the door to Thai Pepper, I was struck bythe aromas of exo�c foods from distant lands. Thedining room was full, too: a family discussing theday’s events; friends laughing together over ricedishes; and others engaged in quite conversa�onwhile sipping fine wines. It wasn’t at all what I wasexpec�ng; the quiet exterior masked this lively gemso perfectly. Seeing this contradic�on was likewatching a teen romance film where the femaleprotagonist covers her outward beauty with ponytailand glasses, only to let her hair down in the end.Read complete ar�cle online at www.mytownmonthly.com

NewTown GetDown: A Networking Event thatBrings Professionals Together!Last Thursday, bravingthe heavy rains thathung over Macon, morethan eighty peoplegathered in the GeorgiaMusic Hall of Fame forthe inaugural NewTownGetDown. This monthlyevent primarily is sponsored by Capitol City Bank andNewTown Macon. The NewTown GetDown venueshowcased Georgia’s music history, and provided liveentertainment by Macon’s own Crankin’ Daddies.“It’s a networking event geared toward youngprofessionals, and business and civic leaders,” saidKris Ha�away, NewTown’s Director of Place. Readcomplete ar�cle online at www.mytownmonthly.com

Have a restaurant or event that you want us toreview next? Email us at editor@mytownmonthly.com.Or, Facebook us at www.facebook.com/mytownmagazine.

Let’s talk! Join us on Facebook and Twi�er! We’re online, soyou can instant message us, post comments &pictures, and tell us what you would like to see in themagazine. Let’s hear YOUR voice, Middle Georgia!

We Asked, You FacebookedRather than the usual dinner and a movie,what are some great date ideas?

Holly Dugas: Best first date so far was to a ba�ngcage, no lie.

Jae' Madison: Picnic in the park and a li�le spokenword at a jazz cafe'.

Calista Anne Waddy: Going to a local museum or tothe planetarium.

Suzanne Lawler: A hike at High Falls!!!

Bill Dodd: The value menu at Burger King and someyard work.

Tom Pender: Never go to a movie on the first date!The idea of a first date is to get to know each other, sodon't go where you're facing the same direc�on in thedark and you're not supposed to talk!

Vallie Lee Jackson Smallwood: How about fruit,cheese, bread, a bo�le of wine, and so� music (mostlyJosh Turner) all in front of a fireplace, on tons of so�pillows! Just a thought!

Mark Ross Baron: My favorite idea for first dates is togo to a bookstore, preferably one with a coffee shop.It tends to be an environment that fosters intelligenttalk, and if things don't work out, you have a vastamount of books to find solace in!

12 MyTown October 2009 www.mytownmonthly.com | www.facebook.com/mytownmagazine